At the request of the African Union Commission (AUC), UNOAU coordinated air transportation of critical electronic equipment for the AU Military Observers recently deployed to Bangui city in the Central African Republic (CAR). The equipment was being held in Douala, Cameroon at the AU Continental Logistics Base but due to the Covid-19 pandemic, there were limited flight options available with high freight costs. 

UNOAU’s Mission Support Planning Section (MSPS) coordinated efforts to facilitate air transportation from Douala to Bangui at NO-COST to the AU. This was the first time the MoU between the UN and AU Missions in CAR signed on May 8, 2020 was enacted. 

UNOAU's MSPS Logistics Officer, Mr. Taufiq Mohammad coordinated with the UN Regional entities and MINUSCA so that the UN flight with a mission to Yaoundé, Cameroon could transport the equipment to Bangui on its return.

Mr. Taufiq Mohammad acted as the agent and service coordinator when the flight schedule was suddenly changed to June 20, arriving in Yaoundé instead of Douala. Mr. Mohammad successfully coordinated between MINUSCA, the AUC, the AU Logistics Base in Douala, customs authorities in both countries, clearing agents and the equipment was moved from Douala to Yaoundé on 24-hour notice.

UNOAU’s Chief of MSPS,  Mr. Douglas Langrehr appreciated the commitment shown by the UN and AU staff to cooperate and support each other, he said, “their commitment is a testimony to the true spirit of the Joint Partnership for Peace and Security which has helped operationalise the AU Military Observers' Mission, as well as the success of the Joint Special Security Units in the Central African Republic”.